How smart growth relates to Lafayette

We keep hearing the term "smart growth" being used by our city officials, local chamber members, real estate agents, builders, etc., but what does it mean? Is it a positive or negative term, or both? Does it apply only to cities, suburbs, rural areas or all three? What about private property rights? Does smart growth mean no growth?

All these questions and more are being asked in our community, particularly since the Lafayette City-Parish Government hired a major consulting firm, WRT, to help design a comprehensive plan for our area. There have been two community workshops seeking input, and there will be at least two more this year. I thought it would be timely to address some of the concepts of smart growth in this column over the next few months. Most of my material is derived from the National Association of Realtors smart growth department.

The best definition of smart growth that I have heard is that "smart growth means livable communities."

But what is a livable community? The challenges are unique to each area making smart growth a local issue. You need to look at adequate housing choices, transportation, schooling options, safe neighborhoods, infrastructure, etc. Communities like Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana area want to grow and prosper over the long term, but if the growth puts a strain on community services, it could actually reduce prosperity and quality of life.

The challenge is to grow in harmony with the resources available. Since the end of World War II, the U.S. population has doubled and continues to grow. This rapid population growth, compounded by development patterns that encourage bigger houses and longer commutes, is forcing us to face an important question: How should our community grow?

Before we talk about how to grow, let's review the main concepts of smart growth which generally involve the following:

» Using land more efficiently

» Preserving open space and the environment

» Creating more transportation options to ease traffic

» Building neighborhoods that allow for walking

» Increasing density where appropriate

» Expanding housing choices

While few people disagree with the intent of these concepts, many ingrained policies such as conventional zoning, may stand in the way of smart growth. In future columns, I will address identifying a common ground where all parties - Realtors, developers, builders, public officials, environmentalists, property owners and others - can work together for a "livable community," a smart growth community.

Mary Jane Bauer is CEO of Realtor Association of Acadiana.

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How smart growth relates to Lafayette

We keep hearing the term 'smart growth' being used by our city officials, local chamber members, real estate agents, builders, etc., but what does it mean? Is it a positive or negative term, or both?

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